Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:4

What does 2 Corinthians 6:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:4 means

True servants of God demonstrate their legitimacy not by self-promotion but by patient endurance under pressure. Paul points to a breadth of trials—afflictions, necessities, and distresses—to show that ministry is tested in the crucible. “Much patience” is first because steadfast perseverance is the signature of real faithfulness. These are not occasional inconveniences but sustained pressures that would expose hypocrisy if present. By bearing them, Paul and his team commend themselves as God’s ministers. Their durability under weight honors the God who sustains them and corroborates the truth of their message to watching believers and skeptics alike.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But in everything making it clear that we are the servants of God, in quiet strength, in troubles, in need, in sorrow,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but in everything recommending ourselves as God's ministrants; in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but in everything commending ourselves asGod's ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

Context

This verse begins the positive proof of ministry integrity by listing general categories of hardship. It expands the initial resolve of verse 3 (no stumbling blocks) into concrete realities. Verse 5 immediately follows with more specific forms of suffering, while verses 6–7 balance the list by naming spiritual graces and divine enablement. The sequence underscores that authentic ministry is known not by outward success but by faithfulness through adversity, setting up the paradoxes of vv. 8–10.

v.3giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

v.4This passage

v.5in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:11

    If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

  • Colossians 1:11

    strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;

  • 2 Timothy 4:5

    But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

  • Acts 9:16

    for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

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